Attack the Messenger: How Politicians Turn You Against the Media (American Political Challenges)

Description

Politicians and the media are natural enemies, but in recent times, the relationship has exploded into all-out war. Think about bimbo eruptions, DUI arrests, cocaine parties, National Guard service records, Swift Boat veterans. Think about two generations of Bush presidents up against Dan Rather. Think about who lost. Visit our website for sample chapters! Craig Crawford has seen it all up close and personal, and he is disturbed by what he sees. When politicians turn the public against the media, everyone loses-especially unbiased and courageous news reporting. When veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas is banished from her front row post, as she has been in the current administration, the American public is denied the chance to consider her pointed questions, even if they go unanswered. Worse, when traditional reporters and media are displaced, the pundits and alternative media take over. Rush, the O'Reilly Factor, Comedy Central's Jon Stewart, and the bloggers have their place in American politics, and the 2004 elections showed the incredible power of the Internet. These media, however, are a different breed, as Crawford points out-they serve a purpose, but at a cost. They become "opinion merchants," bartering outrageous assertions for audience appeal with little attention to the truth. These days, the truth is hard to find. If the press is not believed-or believable-because politicians have turned the public against it, then the press is not free, but under the thumbs of politicians. Without a free press, there is no democracy. That, says Craig Crawford, is where we find ourselves today. If you don't like the news, attack the messenger, and it will go away. Going, going, gone.

About Author

Craig Crawford is a White House columnist for Congressional Quarterly Inc. and author of The Politics of Life: 25 Rules for Survival in a Brutal and Manipulative World (2007).

Contents

Chapter 1 Turning the Tables Chapter 2 Blame the Messenger Chapter 3 A President Lies Chapter 4 Spinning Lies Chapter 5 A War Story Chapter 6 Who Will Tell the Truth? Chapter 7 The End of an Era Chapter 8 Winners and Losers Chapter 9 Media Culpa Chapter 10 How to Get the Real Story Chapter 11 What Now?